Ad Hominem attacks against Kaveh Farrokh and Interview Request

In mid-August 2009 an apparent pan-Turkist presenting himself as a human rights activist made a number of Ad Hominem attacks against Kaveh Farrokh. One of these is Dr. Alireza Asgharzadeh, whose book was critically reviewed by Farrokh and analyzed in greater detail by other reviewers. Kindly see the discussion with Dr. Asgharzadeh (note comments against Farrokh in the link below):

http://advocacynet.org/wordpress-mu/farzin/

In general pan-Turk activists have attempted to portray those who question their views as “Persian chauvenists“, etc.   As a follow-up to the Ad Hominem attacks by pan-Turk activists, the webhost, Farzin  Farzad asked Farrokh for an interview. Below is Farrokh’s response followed by Mr. Farzad’s initial request Farrokh.

==================================================================

——- Original Message ——–

Dear Farzin (if I may),

Please call me Kaveh. Please note that I have never stated (in print or any other type of media) that minority groups should not speak, read or write their languages. In fact, you will see nothing of that sort in any of my humble writings or interviews: For example, kindly click “Historical revisionism” under my humble site:

https://www.kavehfarrokh.com/

My struggle is specifically against historical revisionism, the use of incorrect information, falsified statistics or the re-writing of history to suit political ends. Ethnic chauvenism of any sort (including the Persian/Iranian) is simply wrong and must be condemned. The issue is using the legitimate right of language, culture, etc. in the politicized context of historical revisionism to promote ethnic divisiveness and singularity. Iran from its inception has been multi-lingual. As noted in my humble second book, the lingua franca or common language of the Achaemenid Empire was Aramaic and not Old Persian. [email protected].

I do understand that certain individuals and groups with certain objectives would find my humble postings unpalatable. But the truth is that none of writings demand the implementation of one language only policies – my humble focus is (as noted): historical revisionism.

Chatting with you would be an honor but I may be away in the Republic of Georgia on an archaeological expedition from the 18th of August. If we cannot get to meet for now, please feel free to post my e-mail in your forum or site  (kindly keep my e-mail address private if possible). Otherwise you and all readers (friendly or otherwise) can contact me at:

On a personal note, I am also of Azari descent (with a strong dose of Gorji roots – to me an Iranian such as myself is defined by diversity of language, customs, etc. Suppressing that ancient heritage of linguistic and cultural diversity is against the very foundation of Iran (past and present).

My best Regards
Kaveh

——– Original Message ——–

Dear Dr. Farrokh,
I currently have a human rights blog posed at representing minority rights in Iran. I am a peace fellow through the Advocacy Project, and I have been chosen to come to Vancouver to work with ADAPP to raise awareness on their organization. 
Being that you are the most verbal critic of ADAPP, I wanted to see if I could get a chance to interview you on your side of the matter. My blog is meant to expose feelings that Azerbaijanis and other minorities have on racism in Iran and also to represent Iranian minority groups who are fighting for the ability to have courses in their mother tongues as well as celebrate heroes, such as Babak Khorramdin. 
I want to get both sides on my blog. I am a strong proponent of Hegel’s dialectic and I think that dialog is the most important feature to bridge gaps between ideas. I am hear in Vancouver until August 21, 2009. If you have time next week, I would really love to sit and have a video interview. I watched your award speech on youtube and I really liked what you had to say about ancient Persia and various nations being equal regardless of language. 
I want to assure you that my cause is a noble one. I was born in Urmia and raised in Washington D.C. I am not out to attack anyone. I just want to raise awareness on civil and human rights in Iran and I would really enjoy your side of the story and your struggle. 
If you haven’t already read, by blog is at: http://advocacynet.org/wordpress-mu/farzin/
-Farzin